At the upcoming MSPO 2025 exhibition in Poland, Altair Technologies, a pioneering Ukrainian firm, unveiled its innovative TOR drone. This versatile system operates not just as a reconnaissance UAV outfitted with camera payloads but can also serve as a mothership for first-person view (FPV) drones, including specialized anti-aircraft variants. An engaging video of the TOR in action was shared with the Military Journal by an attendee, showcasing its operational capabilities.
While the deployment of mothership drones to support conventional FPVs is gaining traction, utilizing one for carrying anti-aircraft FPVs is still a novel approach. This strategy provides distinct advantages, particularly in military applications. For instance, a mothership does not only function as a signal repeater; it also optimizes the battery life of FPV drones by allowing them to be deployed directly above their targets. This means the drones can either extend their flight range or carry larger payloads while conserving battery use.
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For anti-aircraft FPVs, this operational structure is particularly beneficial. These drones need to maintain a lightweight and agile profile, and the mothership enhances their performance remarkably. It can elevate the drones to altitudes of up to 2 kilometers and release them at speeds around 150 km/h, allowing for smaller, more nimble interceptors that can respond rapidly to aerial threats.
Drónok harca: A TOR anyadrón felkészítési és indítási folyamata, amelyet az ukrán Altair Technologies cég gyárt, és két légvédelmi FPV drónnal van felszerelve. #StandwithUkraine pic.twitter.com/hO8Khujrld — NAFO Hungary (@NAFO_Hungary) June 6, 2025
The TOR drone is available in two configurations: one powered by electricity and the other by an internal combustion engine. The electric model boasts stealth capabilities, being quieter and thus harder to detect; however, it sacrifices speed, range, and payload capacity. In contrast, the combustion-powered version excels in those areas but is noisier.
Specifically, the combustion model of the TOR has an impressive range of 400 kilometers and can reach speeds of 150 km/h. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 28 kilograms and can operate at altitudes up to 2,000 meters. On the other hand, the electric TOR A has a range of up to 150 kilometers, a cruising speed of 72 km/h, and a maximum takeoff weight of 26 kilograms, maintaining the same altitude ceiling.
For reconnaissance operations, the TOR can be equipped with either a daytime camera or a thermal imaging system. Interestingly, the camera positioning is atypical; it is mounted on the left wing rather than the more common nose or mid-fuselage locations.
The UAV is launched using a collapsible catapult and can be operated from a laptop, providing seamless integration with ground control. Like other mothership UAVs, the TOR serves as a communications relay for FPV drones, significantly enhancing their operational range and capabilities.
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